Nemesis Essay Questions

What role does guilt play in the novel?

Bucky is predisposed to feel guilty, especially since his birth is entwined with his mother's death. Whenever something bad happens, Bucky automatically feels responsible. Additionally, Bucky experiences events that seem to validate his guilt complex. Bucky is prohibited from enlisting in World War II because his eyesight is poor. He is burdened by a variant sensation of "survivor's guilt" because he remains safe at home while his friends are risking their lives in battle.

When he leaves the playground for summer camp in the Poconos, he feels guilty for abandoning his students. Bucky knows that the children depend on his leadership, and he feels terrible for leaving them without supervision. Later, Bucky is guilt-ridden because he thinks that he is a polio carrier. While in Philadelphia, Bucky feels guilty that his physical disabilities will burden Marcia.

Bucky bases a majority of his life's decisions upon his feelings of guilt. Ultimately, he self-sabotages because his guilt prevents him from being truly happy.

What is the significance of the butterflies at Indian Hill?

One afternoon, a huge swarm of butterflies settles over the camp. For an hour during the middle of the afternoon, the butterflies "could be seen erratically dipping and darting over the playing fields and thickly perched on the tape of the tennis nets." The butterflies are an anomaly, and no one is able to explain the conditions that led to their arrival. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the butterflies symbolize radical change. While Indian Hill is depicted as paradisiacal, it is not immune to the pandemic that rocks the rest of the world. Soon after the butterflies arrive, Donald contracts a severe case of polio. Indian Hill camp is no longer an elite escape from the disease, Instead, it is a new epicenter.

What role does Native American tradition play in the novel?

Native American tradition is deeply steeped in the Indian Hill camp experience. Mr. Blomback appropriates indigenous practices and claims them as his own. During Indian Night, which takes place each week, Mr. Blomback encourages his campers and counselors to dye their skin darker and wear headdresses. In doing so, Mr. Blomback appropriates indigenous culture and reduces it to a literal costume. Mr. Blomback promotes “Americana” by erasing the history of Native American genocide, and promoting harmful caricatures.

How does Roth represent ethnic conflict in Nemesis? What does this say about America in 1944?

When the Italians arrive at Bucky's playground, they are immediately labeled as violent and threatening. The presence of the Italians in Newark provides insight into the ethnic problems that dominated social life in the mid-20th century. As polio spreads, people in Weequahic grow deeply afraid and struggle to find answers. In order to make sense of the disease, they try to blame their misfortune on a scapegoat. The Jews of Weequahic begin condemning the Italians, which leads to tensions between the communities. The anxiety and paranoia that the Weequahic citizens feel stems from the rise of antisemitism prior to and during the Second World War.

What is a scapegoat? How does scapegoating function in the novel?

A scapegoat is a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency. As the people of Weequahic struggle to grasp the reality of the pandemic, they begin to blame various forces for generating and disseminating the disease.

Many people blame the Italians for bringing polio to the community. Following the death of Alan Michaels, the citizens of Weequahic blame Yushy's hotdog stand for giving Alan polio. Later, Kenny Blumenfield scapegoats Horace for carrying polio with his unsanitary appearance. All of these examples demonstrate the emotional effects of polio on the community. People grow hostile because they are paranoid and distrustful.